This seems like an appropriate topic of conversation after the recent election in the US.
As we reflect on the outcomes and their very real impact, it’s a timely reminder that focusing solely on differences can widen the gaps between us. When we define people by what sets them apart, we reinforce a culture where bias and exclusion are not only tolerated, they thrive. Neurodiverse individuals, for example, often face challenges because they’re viewed through a lens of “otherness,” highlighting what they lack rather than what they contribute.
But what if we flipped the script? Embracing differences means you don’t isolate or categorize people based on their uniqueness. It does mean recognizing and valuing each person’s potential and value. By focusing on strengths, talents, and what each person adds to the equation, inclusion is naturally enhanced. Inclusion becomes the default. The workplace, like our communities, thrives when we respect and integrate diverse perspectives.
Instead of feeding cycles of bias, we can break them by shifting our focus from differences to value. Especially now when government protection is likely to be watered down, we need workplaces and communities where people are seen for who they are holistically—not defined by a single characteristic. In the end, that’s how we truly move forward, as companies, as communities, and as a society.
Alt: The more we focus on what makes people ‘different’ the more we feed the cycle of bias and exclusion.